A Place to Belong - by Amber O'Neal Johnston (Paperback)

About the Book

"A guide for families of all backgrounds to celebrate cultural heritage and embrace inclusivity in the home and beyond"--

Book Synopsis

A guide for families of all backgrounds to celebrate cultural heritage and embrace inclusivity in the home and beyond.

Gone are the days when socially conscious parents felt comfortable teaching their children to merely tolerate others. Instead, they are looking for a way to authentically embrace the fullness of their diverse communities. A Place to Belong offers a path forward for families to honor their cultural heritage and champion diversity in the context of daily family life by:

- Fostering open dialogue around discrimination, race, gender, disability, and class
- Teaching "hard history" in an age-appropriate way
- Curating a diverse selection of books and media choices in which children see themselves and people who are different
- Celebrating cultural heritage through art, music, and poetry
- Modeling activism and engaging in community service projects as a family

Amber O'Neal Johnston, a homeschooling mother of four, shows parents of all backgrounds how to create a home environment where children feel secure in their own personhood and culture, enabling them to better understand and appreciate people who are racially and culturally different. A Place to Belong gives parents the tools to empower children to embrace their unique identities while feeling beautifully tethered to their global community.

Review Quotes

"A Place to Belong awakens us to some of the most important issues of our day with dynamic pluck, bold transparency, and homegrown humility. I was moved to tears, laughter, discomfort, and relief, often within the same pages. This book is both a revelation and a guide."
--Ainsley Arment, author of The Call of the Wild and Free

"Amber O'Neal Johnston has written a deeply thoughtful book that will provoke all who read it to broaden their view of people in their personal context and in the beauty of their own unique lives and cultures. A great read indeed!"
--Sally Clarkson, coauthor of The Lifegiving Home

"Amber O'Neal Johnston has penned an engaging and comprehensive guide for families of all backgrounds who are curious or committed to engaging in a diverse and inclusive lifestyle. Johnston's book is a refreshing reminder that humanity is shared, imperfect, and beautiful. Highly recommended."
--Charnaie Gordon, creator of Here Wee Read

"As an adoptive mom raising children whose race and culture are different from my own, I deeply believe in Amber's message and in every family's need for this important book. Her writing style is kind and informed, gently pointing readers to resources and practices to introduce their kids to a wider, more vibrant world. I wish I could have had this book a decade ago to guide our path, but I'm grateful to have it now as I continue to make sure that every member of our family knows they have a place to belong."
--Jamie C. Martin, author of Give Your Child the World

"In A Place to Belong, Amber O'Neal Johnston offers a pathway toward inclusivity that is marked, not with trite words and meaningless gestures, but with practical steps and helpful encouragement. She puts forth a beautiful vision for celebrating the uniqueness of your family while cultivating respect and appreciation for the differences of others."
--Jasmine L. Holmes, author of Carved in Ebony

"A Place to Belong captivated me from the very start. Amber offers a wealth of tools to help every family grow in their appreciation and connection to people who are different than them, racially, socially, or culturally. And she does it all in a way that is laced with hope and joy! A Place to Belong is going to change hearts and lives for years to come."
--Greta Eskridge, author of Adventuring Together

"With authenticity, heart, and vulnerability, Amber lays out a clear plan to create a home culture that honors your family's heritage and celebrates others. Whether you're Black, a person of color, or white, there is something more we can all do to investigate our own history and appreciate what everyone brings to the table."
--Delina Pryce McPhaull, creator of the "Oh Freedom!" curriculum

"Amber O'Neal Johnston gets it! A Place to Belong acts as a compass in navigating tough history and cultural identity conversations within a family. It reminds us to embrace our culture and to honor our history."
--Sheva Quinn, EdD, coauthor of African American Families: Why We Homeschool

About the Author

Amber O'Neal Johnston is a homeschooling mother of four who speaks and writes on HeritageMom.com about including diverse voices in traditional curricula and infusing culture into the home environment. She is a regular contributor to the Wild + Free homeschooling community.